Additional Coverage:
- I spent a week in Mexico City — and the best thing I did was book an excursion to eat lunch at a local grandma’s house (businessinsider.com)
Local Guides, Home-Cooked Moles, and Ancient Pyramids: A Mexico City Must-Do
When a friend moved to Mexico City, a girls’ trip was immediately in order. As the designated travel planner, I wanted to explore beyond the usual tourist attractions.
While the Teotihuacán ruins were a must-see, I sought a unique experience. That’s when I stumbled upon a tour led by local brothers, Hugo and Gabriel, that promised a visit to the pyramids followed by lunch at their grandmother’s house.
Intrigued, my friends and I signed up.
The tour began with a visit to the awe-inspiring Sun and Moon Pyramids of Teotihuacán. But the real magic began when we arrived at Grandma’s house, just minutes from the ruins.
The aroma of spices, chiles, chocolate, and herbs filled the air as we were welcomed with refreshing glasses of agua de Jamaica. Inside, the family was busy adding the final touches to a meal that had clearly been lovingly prepared.
Over a delicious lunch featuring homemade green and red mole, Hugo and Gabriel shared their family’s story. What started as a way to earn extra money for college by driving visitors to the pyramids blossomed into something much larger.
Driven by their passion for history and culture, the brothers became certified anthropology guides. Recognizing the tourist traps surrounding the ruins, their mother and grandmother suggested a heartwarming alternative: “Why not bring the visitors home?
We’ll cook for them!” Now, the entire family helps share their culture and traditions through food.
Our culinary journey deepened as we sampled pulque, a fermented drink made from the maguey plant dating back thousands of years. Hugo and Gabriel explained the history of this ancient beverage while we tasted different varieties and other unique liqueurs.
This unexpected experience became the highlight of our trip. Sharing a delicious meal while learning about local cuisine and a family-run business was truly priceless. It was a celebration of Mexican culture at its finest, reminding us that the best travel experiences are about the connections we make – one bite, one story, one meal at a time.